Arabid Phenotype - Face Features & Origin

Average Face

The Arabid phenotype average face is a composite synthesized from multiple individual photographs by historical anthropologists. It represents a statistical impression of recurring facial features, not a real person.

Geographic Distribution

The Arabid phenotype is native to North Africa. The historical distribution below reflects approximate centers of prevalence documented roughly 1500 years ago; modern borders and population movements have since blurred these boundaries.

Approximate coordinates: 26.00°, 17.00° (latitude, longitude).

Physical Characteristics

Light, sometimes medium brown skin. Wavy or curly, black-brown hair. Medium height, mesoskelic, ectomorph. Dolicho- mesocephalic, chamaecranic, rather small, rhomboid head, protruding occiput. Slightly convex, hyperleptorrhine nose. Large almond-shaped eyes, prominent midface, and full lips. Body hair abundant.

Historical Background

Orientalid proper, the most common type of the Arabian Peninsula, often found with Semitic languages. Originally restricted to Arabia, ancient migrations and the Islamic expansion brought it to North Africa, where it is heavily mixed (e.g. Berber Arabs). Conquerors and Arab tradesmen spread it across the Mediterranean, parts of East Africa, India, and Indonesia, Jews to Europe. Since it differs from Mediterranid mainly by soft issue, some include it in Mediterranid.

Source: Human Phenotypes — Arabid

References & Literature

The Arabid phenotype entry above is compiled from the following academic references. Readers are encouraged to consult the original sources for verification and deeper context.

• Eickstedt, E. von. 1952c. Rassentypen und Typendynamik von Asien In: Historia Mundi. Band 1, Munich, 147-166.
• Biasutti, R. 1967 (1941). Le Razze e i Popoli della terra. 4th Ed. Vol 1-4. U.T.E.T., Torino.
• Knussmann, R. 1996. Vergleichende Biologie des Menschen: Lehrbuch der Anthropologie und Humangenetik. 2ed. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag.
• Luschan, F. 1911. The early inhabitants of Western Asia. Journ. Anthro. Inst. 42, 221-244.
• Lundman, B. 1967. Geographische Anthropologie. Rassen und Völker der Erde. G. Fischer, Stuttgart
• Vallois, H. V. 1971. Las races humaines. 8 Ed. Grammont.
• Saller, K. 1949. Art- und Rassenlehre des Menschen. Curt E. Schwab. Stuttgart.
• Hooton, E.A. 1939. The Twilight of Man. Putnam's Sons, New York.
• Cole, S. 1965. Races of Man. Butler & Tanner Ltd. Frome and London.
• Coon, C.S.. 1939.. The Races of Europe. The Macmillan Company. New York.

Related Phenotypes

Other human phenotypes related to Arabid by geography or typological similarity.

• Arabian Veddoid

  North Africa

  Ancient Vedda-like type of the Arabian Peninsula and South Iran, often heavily mixed. Found in the Mehri of South Oman, around Hadramaut in ...

• Assyroid

  North Africa

  Semitic type that unites Armenoid with Arabid features. Historically important in the ancient Hittite Kingdom and the Assyrian civilisation....

• Iranid

  North Africa

  Distinctive type of the Iranian Plateau. One of the main elements in Persians, especially in Southwestern Iran. An important element in Kurd...

• Libyid

  North Africa

  North African steppe type that is usually regarded as part of Orientalid. Although Arab invasions enhanced the Orientalid element in Africa ...

• Savolaxid

  North Africa

  East Baltid variety, named after the Savolaxia province of Finland, similar to Neo Danubian. Core population in Eastern Finland, Karelia, an...